There were strikes and anti-austerity rallies across Europe on Wednesday. General Strikes were called in Spain and Italy. Rallies were also held in France and Greece. The protests in Spain ended as police fired rubber bullets, in violent clashes between protesters and police. In Italy at least 17 police officers were injured as protests in Rome, Milan and Turin turned violent.
Tag Archives: strikes
Continued Chaos in Greece
The saga of austerity, recession and bailouts continues in Greece. Today the nation has been brought to a standstill as the unions call a 48 hour General Strike. The strike is ahead of a crucial vote on more austerity measures, the package would see a further €18bn of cuts and reforms. The measures are required if Greece is to receive the next instalment of bailout money. Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras is under massive pressure to carry the vote through parliament. He has only a slim majority, and politicians are deeply divided over the issue.
The EU is concerned that Antonis Samaras ruling coalition could fall apart, as a collapse in government would most likely see the far left and far right make major gains – both sides are opposed to the EU/IMF imposed austerity conditions.
The far right, Golden Dawn party, has capitalised on the problems in Greece, making huge gains across the country. In some areas where crime is out of control the Golden Dawn lead groups patrol the streets and attack migrants, who they see as the problem. The overstretched police have failed to stop the attacks.
Once prosperous areas of Athens are now “no go” areas as gangs take control and crime increases. Residents are now looking to the Golden Dawn to protect them.
Peugeot Citroen Workers Strike in France
Workers from the French car maker Peugeot Citroen are striking at the companies plans – to cut 8,000 jobs. The company is facing mounting loses in a car industry shrinking in Europe at this time.
One local union leader has said they view the job losses as an act of war, and that the unions will give them war.
Economists have warned France that their restrictive labor laws are hindering their economy. The country is infamous for their striking culture. However, the French would do well to remember, the unions in Britain caused the death of the British car industry in the 1970s – largely due to their waves of strikes.